Interface elements for heat transfer analysis

Interface elements are desirable in finite element heat transfer analyses in situations where dissimilar meshes are to be joined or where contact resistances occur between various parts of a body. In stress codes, such elements are often termed master/slave. A general algorithm for interface elements will be described. The algorithm allows development of interface elements for both two- and three-dimensional applications. Surfaces in contact are automatically determined so that a minimum of input data is required. In addition, the algorithm allows for compatibility in thermal stress calculations with mechanical codes which have sliding interface capabilities. Implementation of the algorithm into the TACO codes will be discussed and examples will be given.